How To Choose The Top Yoga Courses in Kerala

Performing Yoga is a healthy practice which can have magical effects on the body which can manifest in the form of a disease free body and mind. Yoga is an ancient practice which has many forms and each of them is a different effect on the body. If performed consistently and under expert guidance, can help you remain healthy, agile and supremely fit. Over the years, Yoga has evolved, and many new forms have emerged. All the forms essentially are modified versions of the yoga postures and exercises which have been in practice since ages. When it comes to Yoga, Kerala comes to our mind as it is followed very religiously there. There are many Ayurveda training centers in Kerala for learning Yoga which not only teaches the practice but also provides training so that you can also become a trained Yoga master and spread this miraculous practice and benefit others.

Although there are many centres that claim to be the best in Yoga training in Kerala, very few actually, have the competence of providing quality training on different forms of Yoga. The most popular forms of Yoga in Kerala, which people wish to learn, are Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and many other forms. They require poise and consistency on the learner’s part and high expertise on the trainer’s part as it is imperative that the postures of Yoga are performed in the correct manner. Doing it wrong not only makes the entire futile but may also have mild side effects.

Selecting the Top Yoga Courses In Kerala that Suits your Requirements

In Kerala, there is no dearth of Yoga schools and all of them boast of being the best in the business. However, you must research about them on the internet and also visit the chosen few to ascertain their claims about themselves are true and not just misguiding promises. Follow these guidelines for selecting a yoga courses that suits you best:

Know your requirements

Why did you choose a Yoga courses in Kerala over the myriads of other options available today to stay healthy and fit?

The answers can go like:

• To reduce body fat and stay healthy
• To become a yoga instructor
• To learn from native instructors
• To calm your mind, meditate; or to overcome anxiety
• To target a particular illness of the body
• To lead a healthy and peaceful life
• To do mild exercise during pregnancy, etc.

Whatever be the reason, the yoga centre you choose should be able to cater to your needs.

Gather information on types of yoga practices

Once you are clear about the results you seek from practicing yoga, the next step is to find the type that suits your needs. You have to be aware of the fact that there are many yoga practices, each with its advantages.

Also, note that your age and current health status also plays a major role in deciding which course to opt for. So you could either search the internet or consult an ayurvedic physician to recommend the type that fit your needs.

Or, you can read the following list of some of the popular yoga courses, along with their health benefits, to help you get an idea:

1. Hatha Yoga Course:

If you are a beginner, hatha yoga can be useful. This one is considered the basic yoga practice where a slow pace is maintained throughout with holding each pose for a few breaths.

2. Vinyasa Yoga Course:

Is good for those who loves to add a little bit of speed into their yoga practice. There will be music to link the movement and breath together. You might have to catch your breath from time to time if you are new to this.

Since it is quick paced, Vinyasa yoga is apt for those who love the intensive workout, for runners or athletes.

3. Ashtanga Yoga Course:

This one consist of six series of poses carried out without a break in a sequential order which will help you build internal heat. It is quite challenging, so anyone who is used to the basics can go for this one to step up their game.

4. Sivananda Yoga Course:

It is a comparatively more relaxing yoga practice that typically focuses on the same 12 basic asanas or steps. It is clubbed by Surya namaskar (sun salutations) and savasana (corpse pose). The system is based on a five-point philosophy that is proper breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking that help to form a healthy yogic lifestyle.

5. Forrest Yoga Course:

The best way to release all the tension and pain from your system to make your mind and body come back to a peaceful mode. This practice can be a bit testing with their slightly difficult poses. But once you master it, your mind becomes clear and your body healthy.

6. Iyengar Yoga Course:

People from all age groups can practise this one. Iyengar yoga is about few poses which are carried out ensuring proper body alignment and therefore the  use of props are also encouraged.

Since the pace is slow and props are used, this course is considered safe for those with injuries, but must be done only after proper guidance from a physician.

7. Kripalu Yoga Course:

Kripalu comprises of three parts that teach you to –know, accept and learn from your body alone. It starts with knowing how your body works in different poses and then it moves toward postures held for extended time together with meditation which is the second and third stage; acceptance and learning. It then taps deep into your being to find spontaneous flow in asanas, letting your body be the teacher.

8. Kundalini Yoga Course:

Here you will see the mixing of spirituality into yoga practice. Intense physical exercise and breathwork, chanting, singing and meditation includes in Kundalini Yoga. This course is strenuous and should be considered only if you have been practicing other types of yoga for some time.

9. Viniyoga Yoga Course:

Vini means differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application. Viniyoga is a highly personalized practice in which the yogis learn to adapt poses and goals to their own needs and abilities. Instead of focusing on stretching to get strong and flexible, Viniyoga uses the principles of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). PNF simply means warming up and contracting a muscle before stretching it. This decreases your chance of injuries and wear and tear.

10. Teacher Training Course:

If you are not planning to make a trainer and just want to learn Yoga in practice, it is recommended that you do a crash course while you are enjoying your trip in Kerala. You will need to devote a few hours of the day for it, and by the time your trip ends, you will have substantial knowledge about at least one form of the Yoga.

Choose the right Yoga Training Institute

You are now ready with the course you will be learning and the Institute that offers it. But before you finalize on the institute, enquire for the following:

• The institute carries the official affiliation to conduct the training.
• The trainers are qualified with significant years of experience.
• The certificate you will be receiving upon completing your course is credible.
• Know the fee structure and all other expenses beforehand.
• Ensure the rooms of the institute are spacious with good air circulation and natural light.
• Get the daily schedule of the Institute to familiarize yourself with the routine.
• Check with the Institute to know whether the arrangements for arrival and departure from the venue will be provided or you should take the necessary steps in advance.

Ready Yourself

Know that practicing yoga requires a change in lifestyle. Once you reach the institute, you will have to get accustomed to the daily routine of the place.

Before you get on with the idea of practicing yoga, there is a degree of preparedness that is required from your part.

• Self-motivation, an essential ingredient to embark on anything new, comes right at the top of the list.
• Practicing yoga can be a trying experience as it will require you to change your lifestyle to an extent, for instance, switching to a vegetarian diet, waking up early in the morning, etc.
• Learning something new requires a keen interest in the subject, enthusiasm and a level of openness.
• To do a little bit of homework before you start the course will be good. Get an overall idea of the postures and the philosophy of yoga.
• You should be able to maintain self-discipline and purity which is a prerequisite to teaching and learning yoga effectively.

So in a nutshell, start with the ground research on the different Yoga courses Kerala and shortlist some of the courses that you think you will able to take up. Take that list to different Yoga training institutes in Kerala and inquire about each of them in detail. After weighing the pros and cons of all of they choose the course which suits you best.

Now different yoga training courses have different time and dedication requirements. You must choose the course to which you will be able to dedicate fully and devote time. Never go for the complex forms of Yoga unless you are confident about yourself.

Kerala Ayurveda courses are attracting interests from around the world. If you’re keen to learn about the Indian traditional medicine or become a certified trainer, contact Greens Ayurveda right now. Courses include Kerala ayurvedic massages, yoga training and much more. You can visit our website to get more details, or you can Call us at +91 496 2504334!